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Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 27


Page 27 of 29

Wired for change

A study of gene expression in five closely related mouse species reveals the first steps of evolution in gene regulation. The research found that transcription-factor binding variation is an important indicator of gene-regulation activity.

New drugs to find the right target to fight Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed two new classes of compounds that target the gamma-secretase enzyme to treat Alzheimer's disease. These compounds produce shorter forms of amyloid peptide 38, which do not aggregate into neurotoxic plaques. Early-onset hereditary forms of Alzheimer's may be linked to mutations in the APP protein gene, leading...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2013

Bio-inspired design may lead to more energy efficient windows

A new process, dubbed 'bio-inspired approach to thermal control,' has been developed by University of Toronto professor Ben Hatton and his colleagues. This technique involves attaching optically clear, flexible elastomer sheets to regular glass window panes, resulting in a 7-9 degree cooling effect. The innovation could lead to signifi...

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateAug 2, 2013

Both parents experience highs and lows in sexuality after childbirth

A study on postpartum sexuality found that partners of new mothers experience changes in sexual desire due to factors like fatigue and stress related to caring for a new baby. The research highlights the importance of considering the co-parent's perspective, as their sexual health can be related to each other regardless of the cause.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateAug 1, 2013

Catching cancer early by chasing it

A portable diagnostic device developed by Chinese researchers can travel to patients anywhere in the world, providing an opportunity for early cancer detection. The device uses microfluidics technology and is designed to be low-cost, easy-to-use, and power-independent.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateAug 1, 2013

Modeling of congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia using iPS cell technology

Researchers used iPS cells from a CAMT patient to study the disease, finding that thrombopoietin receptor signaling is crucial for megakaryocyte and erythrocyte production. Compensatory transduction of receptors normalized these processes, highlighting the potential for thrombopoietin-like drugs to treat anemia.

SourceCenter for iPS Cell Research and Application - Kyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2013

OU-led research team awarded NASA EPSCoR grant

A University of Oklahoma-led research team has been awarded a $750,000 grant to develop a novel, self-sustaining energy storage system. The project aims to create nanobatteries that can be charged by photovoltaic systems, increasing capacity and reducing size for increased scientific payloads in satellites and rovers.

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 1, 2013

Researchers have identified prolactin as a potential treatment for inflammatory joint disease, reducing chondrocyte death and associated cartilage degradation. A protein called CTHRC1 has also been linked to bone health, suggesting it could be a target for osteoporosis treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2013

Moderate kidney disease costs medicare tens of billions of dollars each year

A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) costs Medicare tens of billions of dollars each year. The study estimated that Medicare spending attributable to CKD stages 2 through 4 is likely to exceed $48 billion per year, with costs ranging from $1700 to $12,700 per person per year.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 1, 2013

Feeling left out can lead to risky financial decisions, research finds

A new study presented at the American Psychological Association's convention found that people who feel isolated are more likely to make risker financial decisions. The research, led by Rod Duclos, discovered that socially excluded individuals prefer longer odds for bigger lottery payoffs and take greater risks with their finances.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 1, 2013

When prescribing antibiotics, doctors most often choose strongest types of drugs

A recent study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that more than 60% of antibiotic prescriptions in the US are for broad-spectrum drugs, which can be ineffective against viral infections. The overuse of these antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and side effects.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateAug 1, 2013

Prolactin reduces arthritis inflammation

Researchers at National University of Mexico found that prolactin can prevent chondrocyte death and associated cartilage degradation in rheumatoid arthritis models. Prolactin treatment reduced inflammation, bone erosion, joint swelling, and pain in rat models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2013

Re-learning how to see

A University of Maryland-led research team found a specific class of inhibitory neurons controlling the timing of synaptic plasticity, which regulates amblyopia. The discovery offers hope for treating amblyopia late in life by targeting the NARP protein.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNeuron·DateAug 1, 2013

Ultrasound patch heals venous ulcers in human trial

A new ultrasound patch has been shown to significantly accelerate healing in patients with venous ulcers, a type of chronic wound that affects millions. The patch, developed by researchers at Drexel University, delivers low-frequency ultrasound directly to wounds and was found to reduce wound size in just four weeks.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateAug 1, 2013